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Location notes

Trainspots Note:The information is a little vague for this location, but it was felt it was better to have some information for the Workington Shuttles than none. Please send in any updates/corrections/errors/ommisions you might wish to make using the Submission form.Following the flooding that occurred in the area almost every bridge across the river Derwent has become impassable and the railway provides the only link between north and south. A shuttle service is in operation in December 2009 ferrying passengers from the north of the river to the town in the south. The other option is a 30mile round trip to the next usable road crossing.

December 08th Update:A foot crossing has now opened allowing you to walk from one side of the river to the other. The car journey is still a long trek.

Railway type and traffic

The Cumbrian coast line from Carlisle to Lancaster is usually operated with a roughly hourly frequency local services provided by Northern's fleet of 153 and 156 units with the occasional 142.Freight workings are irregular and comprise of DB Schenker Enterprise and steel workings between Workington and Carlisle also DRS moves between Carlisle and the Sellafield reprocessing centre.The line is popular with railtours due to it's scenic nature.

Link to Real Time Trains

RTT Link Workington #7, Flimby StationThis link should be close to the location, but may not be the actual location so please check the page. This link will take you to what is happening 'around now'. Dates and times can be changed at the top of the page.

Environment

Flimby is a small village. The station itself is sandwiched between the main road and the foreshore. Therefore when the weather is bad it can be very exposed.

Road directions

Owing to the flooding the travel information is in flux. The A597, A5086 and A596 bridges are closed. See the BBC Cumbria Travel Web pages for the most up to date information.

From the South, M6 Junciton 40:Follow A66 towards Cockermouth. In Cockermouth you need to turn onto A595 for about a mile then A594 to Maryport. This will get you into Maryport near the station. The A596 is the road that will get you to the other locations.

Option 2 using side roads - If A66 is closed or very busyFrom the M6 Junction 41:Take the B5305 to Wigton until it crosses A595 then turn Left towards Maryport. At Mealsgate take the B5299 to Aspatria and join the A596 as above.

From the North, M6 Junction 44:Take the A7 towards Carlisle, then the A595 from Carlisle City centre. Once at Thursby take the A596 and follow this road all the way.

There are side streets off the main road opposite the station where you can park. Depending on where you park your car can be in view at all times.

Public transport

Flimby is a request stop on the Carlisle to Barrow railway line.Stagecoach services 30/31 usually operate every 15 minutes past the station between Maryport, Workington and Whitehaven, in addition service 300 links Workington with Carlisle, however following the flood damage to the road bridges at Workington these services have been reduced and have to terminate on the north side of the river where a temporary footbridge gives access to the town centre.

The line hugs the foreshore and runs roughly north-south at this point. Light is always best for southbound workings and, depending on time of year, will be head on around lunchtime or slightly after.Photographs can be taken from the station, the station footbridge, over the foreshore wall or over the road wall.There is a small under bridge about 50yds north of the station. By climbing carefully on the retaining wall of this a shot is also possible in both directions.At the south end of the village there is a grassy area where morning shots can be taken also.Road traffic, on the A596, will affect videos here.

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